1 Chronicles 4 13

1 Chronicles 4:13 kjv

And the sons of Kenaz; Othniel, and Seraiah: and the sons of Othniel; Hathath.

1 Chronicles 4:13 nkjv

The sons of Kenaz were Othniel and Seraiah. The sons of Othniel were Hathath,

1 Chronicles 4:13 niv

The sons of Kenaz: Othniel and Seraiah. The sons of Othniel: Hathath and Meonothai.

1 Chronicles 4:13 esv

The sons of Kenaz: Othniel and Seraiah; and the sons of Othniel: Hathath and Meonothai.

1 Chronicles 4:13 nlt

The sons of Kenaz were Othniel and Seraiah. Othniel's sons were Hathath and Meonothai.

1 Chronicles 4 verses

1 Chronicles 4 13 Meaning

1 Chronicles 4:13 outlines a specific part of the genealogical lineage within the tribe of Judah, tracing the descendants of Kenaz. It identifies Othniel and Seraiah as sons of Kenaz, and subsequently, Hathath and Meonothai as the sons of Othniel. This verse serves to affirm the familial connections and the flow of generations, notably highlighting Othniel, a key figure in Israel's early history as their first judge and deliverer.

1 Chronicles 4 13 Context

First Chronicles chapter 4 opens the detailed genealogies of the tribe of Judah, starting with the sons of Judah himself (v. 1). These genealogies continue through several generations and sub-clans, sometimes interweaving significant individuals like Jabez (v. 9-10), and often providing specific notes about places, settlements, and roles. The inclusion of this verse, 1 Chronicles 4:13, is part of this meticulous record, specifically tracing a line through Kenaz, an ancestor often linked to Caleb and the Kenizzites, culminating in the well-known Othniel. The broader historical context is the return from Babylonian exile, where these genealogies were crucial for re-establishing tribal identity, affirming land rights, confirming priestly lineages, and rebuilding a sense of continuity with God's covenant promises to Israel. The Chronicler’s overarching purpose is to reassure the post-exilic community of their legitimate heritage and God's unwavering faithfulness through history, even through seemingly dry lists of names.

1 Chronicles 4 13 Word analysis

• The sons of: Hebrew: בְּנֵי (b'nei), meaning "sons" or "descendants of." This phrase indicates genealogical lineage, encompassing immediate offspring and later generations, establishing tribal and familial connections.
• Kenaz: Hebrew: קְנַז (Q'naz). An ancestral name significant within the tribe of Judah. He is closely associated with Caleb, the prominent Kenizzite, implying a familial or tribal link, which underpins the lineage of Othniel.
• Othniel: Hebrew: עָתְנִיאֵל (Othni'el), meaning "God is my strength" or "Lion of God." This is a profoundly important name. He is the first judge of Israel, empowered by the Spirit of the Lord to deliver his people from Cushan-rishathaim (Jdg 3:9-11). He also gained renown by capturing Kirjath-sepher (Debir) to win Achsah, Caleb’s daughter, as his wife (Josh 15:17). His presence here highlights a lineage producing key figures of faith and deliverance.
• and Seraiah: Hebrew: שְׂרָיָה (S'rayah), meaning "Yahweh is a prince" or "Yahweh persists." Unlike Othniel, this Seraiah is not specifically noted for any distinct achievement or role in the broader biblical narrative. He is presented as another son of Kenaz, contributing to the comprehensive genealogical record.
• and the sons of Othniel: This phrase serves to directly extend the lineage from the notable Othniel. It confirms that his line continued, providing the patriarchal head for the next generation recorded in this genealogy.
• Hathath: Hebrew: חֲתַת (Chathath), potentially meaning "terror" or "downfall." This individual is an obscure figure, mentioned solely within this genealogical context and has no further biblical narrative details attributed to him.
• and Meonothai: Hebrew: מְעֹוֹנֹתַי (Me'onothay), meaning "my habitations" or "my dwellings." Like Hathath, Meonothai is an individual listed within Othniel's direct lineage but does not have further details recorded in Scripture, though 1 Chronicles 4:14 immediately states "Meonothai begat Ophrah."
• The sons of Kenaz: Othniel and Seraiah: This grouping signifies two direct descendants of Kenaz, establishing distinct family branches from him. It contrasts the future prominence of one son (Othniel) with the obscurity of the other, showcasing how divine purpose operates through individuals even within large families.
• and the sons of Othniel: Hathath and Meonothai: This section serves to directly detail Othniel’s progeny, underscoring his importance by continuing to meticulously record his specific line. It provides further clarity to the succession within this particular branch of the Kenizzites/Judah.

1 Chronicles 4 13 Bonus section

The Kenizzites, an ancient people mentioned in Abraham's covenant promise (Gen 15:19), played a distinct role, and their absorption or connection into the tribe of Judah is key to understanding this lineage. Caleb, Judah’s great leader during the Exodus and conquest, is notably called "the Kenizzite" (Num 32:12, Josh 14:6). This connection provides a crucial backdrop to 1 Chronicles 4:13, where Othniel, the "son of Kenaz," reinforces this powerful lineage. The detailed enumeration within Chronicles highlights the theological truth that God cares for individuals and families, meticulously weaving their histories into the larger tapestry of His covenant and redemptive plan for His people.

1 Chronicles 4 13 Commentary

First Chronicles 4:13, though seemingly a simple list of names, is significant for several reasons. It meticulously documents the lineage within the tribe of Judah, vital for establishing identity, inheritance, and social order for the post-exilic community. The key figure is Othniel, Israel's first judge. His inclusion anchors this seemingly dry genealogy to a living narrative of God's redemptive work. Othniel’s past as a Spirit-empowered deliverer serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring faithfulness to raise leaders and sustain His people through His chosen lines, even when names become obscure over generations. This verse, like other genealogies, points to God's careful orchestration of history, demonstrating that every individual and family holds a place in His grand design.